House of horrors: IQ tests done on kids

A man accused of abusing his wife and five children appears in the Springs Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 4 June 2014. Investigating officer Rudolf Jansen told the court of the torture and assault the children -- aged between two and 16 -- had allegedly been put through by their father. The accused, who may not be named to protect the identity of his wife and children, faces charges of assault and kidnapping.Further charges, including one of rape, were expected to be brought against him after allegations that he had forcefully had sex with his wife. The Springs man was arrested last month after his son fled the house and sought help from neighbours.Picture: Werner Beukes/SAPA

Johannesburg - The five children allegedly held captive by their father in a house in Springs, east of Johannesburg, have all undergone IQ tests, Beeld newspaper reported on Thursday.

The department of social development conducted IQ tests and personality tests on the children, aged two, three, four, 11 and 16, to determine if they would cope in school or needed remedial education.

Educational psychologist Linda de Rooster said the children needed to be evaluated because both their parents suffered from learning disabilities.

It was also important to establish if they had any psychiatric or neurological problems.

De Rooster said it would be easier for the three younger children to adapt in school but the two older siblings would probably battle.

Their father was expected to appear in court again on Thursday for allegedly assaulting his wife and children and keeping them captive. - Sapa